Excitement is really starting to reach boiling point ahead of the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland – set for November 24 – after the weekend’s opening round action of the Oceania series in Sydney.
The Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship consists of two rounds at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney (November 9-10) and Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland (November 24) events and is sanctioned by FIM Oceania (FIMO).
The AUS-X Open Sydney was also the finale of the separate Australian Supercross Championship and this was sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).
Sydney’s event on Saturday night saw current United States supercross champion Jason Anderson taking the win over hometown hero Chad Reed (pictured here, Suzuki No.22).
The American dominated the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Reed was stripped of his win after receiving a late race penalty
“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come,” said Anderson afterwards.
Scotland’s Dean Wilson made a successful return to racing with a runner-up finish, with Gold Coaster Dan Reardon putting in a solid ride for third overall and to complete the podium at the 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.
Both domestic class champions were crowned under the bright lights of Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday night. Each championship was a hard-fought affair this year, with both coming down to the very final race putting immense stress on the riders.
Meanwhile, the Australian Supercross Championship was decided at the double-header event in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship. Brayton was followed home in second by Honda team-mate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon.
“I’m stoked to win this championship,” commented Brayton. “I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”
Yamaha’s Jay Wilson completed the ultimate comeback to the sport tonight in Sydney, with the New South Welshman coming back from the brink of retirement just one year ago, to claim the coveted SX2 Championship.
Yamaha’s Wilson secured the title in dramatic fashion, as he only just qualified for the main event in the final transfer position. The chaos continued to unfold, with Wilson’s poor qualifying position giving him the very last gate pick, and subsequently, he didn’t get off the line well in any of the three races.
Despite the drama, tears flowed at the conclusion of Main Event number three, as Wilson was crowned champion.
Championship aside, the race for the AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with US rider Cameron McAdoo finishing the night on the top step of the podium. In position two was 2017 Champion Jackson Richardson, with DPH Motorsports rider Hayden Mellross finishing in third.
The two-stroke cup class was won by KTM’s Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney. The two spent most of the race duelling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.
Victorian ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini. In the Best Trick cetegory, Blake Williams took gold, with Harry Bink getting the silver and Rob Adelberg with bronze.
In the Boost Mobile International Showdown, Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans.
Finally, in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliffhanger backflip to claim the trophy.
The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto Auckland, New Zealand, in two weeks time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.
Kiwi former motocross world champion Ben Townley will be added to the mix for the Auckland event and that will surely provide additional fireworks.
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